Crowned In Thorns

4. The Mysterious Veil

The days seemed to pass in a flurry of courtly functions and diplomatic engagements. But amidst the hustle and bustle of royal duties, a spark of rebellious anticipation began to ignite within Aurelius. He had spent days trying to come up with a way to get Kalyna to himself. He craved some time away from the prying eyes of the court. And he finally devised the perfect plan.

One evening, he quietly slipped a note underneath her chamber door. It contained a single sentence: Meet me at the courtyard tonight.

She picked up a piece of paper under the chamber door as she slightly flipped it to examine it, her brows furrowed. She wondered what the crown prince was thinking. She chuckled to herself as she changed her dress.

The dress predominantly features neutral tones, with a soft beige or cream as the main color. It is accented by darker hues such as deep browns and blacks in accessories and the corset.

She wears an off-shoulder design with short, puffed sleeves that add a touch of softness and volume. It also has intricate lace detailing around the neckline, contributing to a delicate and refined appearance. A prominent feature is the dark brown corset cinched at the waist, adding a steampunk flair. The corset is detailed with metallic elements and fastenings, emphasizing the outfit's unique aesthetic. The dress is with layered fabric that creates a flowing and dynamic silhouette. The fabric appears light and airy, draping elegantly.

After fixing herself into this comfortable dress, she wore her hair down as she made her way to the courtyard.

He stood silently at the center of the courtyard, his silhouette illuminated by the soft moonlight overhead. The night seemed to hold its breath, the air filled with a quiet anticipation.

But Aurelius's presence commanded attention. He was dressed in a simple, yet perfectly tailored, tunic and breeches of black silk, his shoulders back and his stance exuding confidence. His black hair was tousled by the gentle breeze, framing his striking face with an air of untamed elegance. He stood there, waiting with patience and anticipation, his gaze fixed on the entrance to the courtyard, waiting for her to make her appearance.

"What do you call me in for?" Kalyna chuckled at him as she stood beside him.

Aurelius held out his arm, a mischievous smirk on his lips. "I've devised something for us, Kalyna. Something... different."

Without waiting for an answer, he led her to a row of horses, their dark shapes silhouetted against the night sky. The horses pawed at the ground, their breath misting in the cold air. Aurelius swiftly climbed onto his horse, then offered his hand to help her onto her.

"Are you crazy? Are you planning to sneak out, Your Grace?" She whispered intently.

He grinned as he helped her onto the horse, pulling her up gently.

"Crazy? Perhaps," he replied, his voice laced with excitement. "But where's the fun in always playing by the rules?"

His grip on the reins was strong, his body radiating with a sense of urgency. The thrill of adventure was palpable in the air as he glanced over his shoulder at her, the moonlight illuminating his features.

"Hold on tight, Princess. We're about to break free," he whispered.

"Huh? Where are we—" she paused on her words as the horse started to run.

As the horse began to run, Aurelius expertly guided it through the dark streets, skillfully dodging the few figures they encountered. The cool night air whipped through her hair, adding an exhilarating edge to the already adrenaline-fueled moment. His grip on her waist was firm yet gentle, his body pressing subtly against her as the horse galloped in the direction of the village.